February 21, 2012

Yep, I've fallen into the pretty world ofInstagraming. I've heard it described as a photo version of the twitter concept; sharing what you are currently up to, but Instagram is in photo format. This is how I use it, snapping photos on my phone throughout my day and posting what I'm up to, but I know that some people use it just for the pretty photo filters alone. I like the different view you get into someone's life, feels more personal than blogs. It's also been a fun way for me to look at my own life a little differently, and I love anything that makes me do that. The photo above was taken this morning. And here's another I posted a little bit ago, documenting my current obsession with piecing together a new quilt for my family:

While at Amy'shouse the other day I snapped this one of her pretty closet insides:

But the favorite moments I've captured so far are of our life going on, like my kids playing together:

and my son on his first ever buying trip to See's Candy:

I know I have much to learn, tricks and tips, but I don't care to right now, I'm enjoying it as it. (Fighting that all or nothing thinking again.)

I'm sure there is lots of info on the Instagram blog, if you are inclined to learn that way.

One friend told me about followgram, which is where you can see my instagrams if you yourself are not on instagram. Another told me about Printstagram for printing your photos, another PostalPix app for the same. And still another told me about Statigram where you can see your photos larger on your computer, and see stats on what filters you use and how often, and I'm sure a million other things too.

Mary Ann made a super cute Instagram badge that she said we are all welcome to use on our sidebars if we wish. I'm going to, as soon as I figure that all out again.

February 16, 2012

The sky was so so beautiful all day the other day that I couldn't stop trying to capture it on my phone. Of course it was impossible, but I'm still happy to look at the photos I did catch. Above is unedited shot, and here's an instagr.m filter on another below. (more on instagr.m in another post soon)

Gorgeous. We don't often get more than open blue sky in Southern California, so skies like these tend to stop us in our tracks. Feels good to be sure to enjoy the beauty that is on display. Helps one keep perspective after all the introspective thinking I'd been sharing...the world is much bigger than my bad thinking habits I've been mentioning, that's for sure, and that's good to remember!

I've also been working on a logo for myself. I'm so excited to finally have a logo to use! I'm sure over time it will change, or adapt to the various projects or what I might need it for, but I've got a jumping off point now. I just can't tell you how happy I am that over the past year I've finally learned enough on PhotoShop to actually be able to start making some of the things in my head. I used the logo to order some mailing labels too...of course, I'll show you those as soon as I get them.

Previously, I showed you a sneak peek of a logo that I had done for someone else, and one of those sites has gone live. It'sLesley Riley's Red Thread Retreat which is the start of something big for Lelsey, or the continuation of, I should say, with her ArtistSuceess coaching business already something big. I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but Lesley was one of the first teachers I ever had at ArtFest so many many years ago. She was such an interesting woman with a solft yet strong manner, and when I found out she had 6 children and was following her passions in art and teaching anyway, well, I was certainly encouraged to press on myself, even though my children were little (way back then).

Hope you had a happy ♥ day, can't believe the day came and went without a post, I love Valentine's Day.

I'm off to help Amy with some things, I owe her big time as she spent a whole day with me unpacking my Dad's kitchen. Tough tasks are so much better shared with friends, and less overwhelming too. I'll try to get a couple photos of her beautiful home to share...

February 10, 2012

I was gathering fabric together today to send to sweet Rebecca who is collecting it and making clothing for the people of Haiti. {They are in need of more fabric, so if you'd like to contribute, go here}

While going through my fabric stash, I realized another less than helpful way of thinking that I have a habit of employing: all or nothing thinking. For example, as I sorted, I was looking at each piece and thinking, "will I use this? will I miss this?" etc. and with some fabrics I had a hard time deciding. That's when I realized, it doesn't have to be all or nothing. I can keep a small piece for myself in case I might use, and donate the rest. Once I let go of the all or nothing concept, I was able to move a lot faster, no longer weighted down by making what felt like such a big commitment. The contribution pile grew larger as well.

I recognize that I use this type of thinking in other parts of my life as well; housekeeping, assignments, packaging orders etc. I'm going to work on thinking bit by bit vs. all or nothing. I'm betting I'll feel a lot less "stuck" when doing so. Of course, the bits can eventually turn into cleaning the whole house, completing an entire assignment, or shipping all the orders, but I'm betting it won't feel as overwhelming to begin the process. A simple shift in perspective. I'm sure it will help.

February 08, 2012

So, it seems I've a very bad habit of setting up circumstances or expectations that leave me feeling constantly overwhelmed and behind. I hate that feeling. I always feel like I need to do more, do better, try harder, be more disciplined. I'm very good at being self critical which really doesn't help get me anywhere but more overwhelmed when I really think about it. I was looking for a quote in Sabrina Ward Harrison's Brave on the Rocks book when I stumbled across a page she wrote about what she termed "the Betterness Complex". I know it's a pretty common feeling out there amongst many. We are so hard on ourselves, and each other too.

I've been mulling on that lately as I go along.

I've been enjoying Ali Edwards' 52 Creative Lifts Newletter (sign up for free here), and I think it was her newsletter that led me to this post by Liz Lamoreux. I love her thoughts on how we make assumptions, fill in the blanks. That was a new way of looking at the "I should be more because she..." game we play. I don't think we should compare ourselves to others anyway, because it often leads to judgement of ourselves or others, and Liz's thoughts are another reason not to; because we really don't even know the whole story, but just what we assume. Good things for me to think about as I work on restructuring my perspective and priorities.

I really am focusing on it this year, on getting organized vs. overwhelmed. And I think it all starts with my thoughts. On being content as is. So really, instead of accomplishing more, I think I need to grow in the direction of acceptance, understanding, not comparing or always striving to be more, do better. On believing I am enough. Trying to break things down to what really matters and get those priorities more firmly established in my thinking, and therefore daily life. As I was looking at my journal, words like these that I have written to myself keep appearing:

I'd say that's the biggest difference I feel I've commited myself to, in 2012, to keep taking baby steps even when I feel like "it" will never happen; that I will never get organized, or acheive the peaceful, joyful, contented existence I long for. I just know we should not quit, and when I focus on that (not quitting), vs. all that the pieces it takes to acheive what I'm striving for, I feel just a tiny bit more hope and a tiny bit less overwhelmed. It's possible, I know it is, so in 2012, I'm not quitting.

February 02, 2012

Last post I was prepping for teaching at French General, which included a trip to Joann's for some supplies. I couldn't resist all the goodies above, including the pincushion, even though none of it was needed for class.

It's an illness, this intense love of fabric and all sorts of craft supplies. I just see so many things that I want to create with when I look at them.

Here I am in the middle of two of my favoite girls, Charlotte and Kaari before the whirlwind began. French General is truly an amazing environment to be in, if you haven't gone for a shopping trip or class, I highly recommend it, it never disappoints.

And here I am with friends Judi and Gina. Judi treated Gina to class for her birthday, how sweet is that? Gina posted some of her super cute hearts from class on her blog too. Go see!And after this picture, I was swooped up in the class fun and as usual, completely forgot to take another photo. If anyone in class has any online to share, post a link in the comments so we can see it through your eyes. The students were sweet and kind and fun and I always appreciate spending time with others that love to make, so thanks for coming out to play!

Charlotte came to stay with me afterwards, as she was also in town for CHA, where her new fabric line forBlend Fabrics was on display. Look at the lovely hostess gift she left for me. LOVE it! I have my very own stash of her fabric. Can't wait to dig in and create with it!

Want to see some close ups?

I thought so...

Each time I think I've decided on a favorite, then I see another. Too many to play favorites! If you want some too, I think you'll have to ask your local fabric store at this point. I'm sure someone online will eventually have them too. When you see a fabric line when it is first out, it's hard to be patient and wait until the orders are all filled! But these teasers should let you know what to be on the lookout for.

And lately, while all the other prep has been going on, I've been helping my Dad get ready to move again. This time for a long time I hope, in a really nice over 55 community. Moving is exhausing, at every age! Knowing we had the move around the corner, I was out looking for a few things he needs and headed to HomeGoods for a look see. I found two cute lamps for him:

And while I was checking out, look what else I saw:

It's right up front in the area where you check out. So if any of you are looking for the giftwrap I did with Paypaya Art, check your local HomeGoods or TJMax!